Dear Counsellor:

I went to a clinic but didn't like the care I got. Now I need to go back but I'm afraid. What should I do? You see I need to go for my follow-up treatment and I really don't have money to go to any other place.

Worried Patient

Dear Worried Patient:

If you've had a bad experience in a clinic or doctor's office, TELL THEM. Think of it as any other kind of product or service, a lousy meal in a restaurant, a cable television with a crappy picture or a mouldy loaf of bread from the store. It's the same thing. You have got to speak up if you didn't get what you expected or needed.

That's why patients are called 'consumers'. Even if its a totally free service, they're there to meet your needs. Your feedback can help them to improve. After you've told them what was wrong with the service you received, listen to their response. Decide if they gave you a satisfactory reason and whether you're willing to return. If not, you may want to write a letter of protest to the doctor, the clinic or the Ministry of Health and begin shopping around for a new health facility. If you decide you never want to return to that clinic or doctor, make sure you get them to release your medical records to your new doctor. You have a right to your own medical records and a right to good service.

For more information on condom use, HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted infections call the AIDS/STD Helpline at 967-3830, 967-3764 or toll free at 1888-991-4444 or write to AIDS Affair, c/o The STAR, 7 North Street Kingston.